What is Autism?

First, let's talk about what Autism is not. (This is not to say that autistic people don't often have a very hard time living in a non-autistic world, we're gonna talk about that. If you're already familiar with this topic, feel free to scroll down a bit.)
Autism:
  • is not a disease and does not need to be cured, we are not trying to un-autism anyone.
  • is not caused by bad parenting, trauma, or vaccines.
  • is not "just a behavior problem."
  • is not just being quirky.
  • is not always visible.
  • is not an Intellectual Disability or being Gifted, although some autistic people can be ID and/or Gifted (often referred to as 2e or Twice Exceptional).
  • is not a mental illness, it is a neurological difference.
  • is not just a childhood condition, it is not something you outgrow.
  • is not the same for every autistic person,  if you've met one autistic person, you've met one autistic person.
  • is not something you can have more or less of, everyone does not have a "little bit of autism".
  • is not a tragedy, being autistic is a valid way of experiencing the world.
  • is not "fixed" (and doesn't need to be fixed) by trying harder or masking to look "more normal".

So... What Is ​Autism?

  • is a neurodevelopmental difference in how some brains think, sense, and experience the world.
  • is lifelong, it's not something you outgrow.
  • is a spectrum, there is no one-size-fits-all profile that describes autistic people.
  • it is more like a color map or prism, where a constellation of strengths and challenges shape how you interact with and experience the world, and less like a linear spectrum of "more" or "less" autistic. These might include:
    • sensory differences, in how intensely you experience the physical world, how and what you notice about the world, and what those things mean to you personally.
    • communication preferences, such as preferring direct and literal communication, over sarcasm and subtleties; preferring less eye contact, not out of disinterest, but because it is easier to listen and stay engaged; preferring written or text communication, because it gives you time to think and is less ambiguous.
    • passionate interests, or hobbies, that you might know a lot about and really enjoy talking about.
    • social processing differences, such as preferring deeper, more meaningful conversation, over small talk.
  • is a valid identity, not just a diagnosis.
  • is often misunderstood, especially when someone masks or doesn't "look autistic."​

So, What now?